Methods and apparatus to perform a liquid-jet guided laser process and to simplify the maintenance thereof

ABSTRACT

A removably attached coupling assembly can he used to he attached to a laser focus optic assembly of a liquid jet guided laser system. The coupling assembly can include a coupling body, a window assembly, and a nozzle assembly. The coupling assembly thus can allow the independent and separate servicing of the window and the nozzle. For example, to service the window, the coupling assembly can be first detached from the laser focus optic assembly, exposing the top portion of the coupling assembly. The window assembly then can be detached from the coupling assembly. The window can be removed from the window assembly for servicing, such as being repaired or replaced.

This application is a continuation of and claims priority from U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/568,134 filed on Dec. 12, 2014, entitled“Methods and apparatus to perform a liquid-jet guided laser process andto simplify the maintenance thereof” (AVSY-0005), which claims priorityfrom provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/915,510, filed on Dec.13, 2013, entitled “Methods and systems to keep a work piece surfacefree from liquid accumulation while performing liquid-jet” (AV0001-PRO),which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for allpurposes.

BACKGROUND

Laser technology is applied for a large variety of material processingtasks, such as cutting, drilling, welding, marking, engraving andmaterial ablation. Nearly all materials can be processed, e.g. metals,metal alloys, ceramics, diamonds, synthetic diamonds, carbon fibres,sapphire, quartz, glass, plastics and more. In almost every case, thelaser light is focused into a very small spot onto the work piece usinga focusing lens, to enable the processing task by generating sufficientenergy on the work piece. The work piece therefore has to be preciselyaligned into the laser focus throughout the processing task.

Liquid-jet guided laser technology, as for example described in patentEP 1940579B1 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,859,988B1, which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes, couplesthe laser focus into a small liquid-jet, for example, through a focusinglens. This coupling takes place in a coupling unit. The coupling unitcan include a metal chamber that on the side of the focusing lens isclosed with a laser protection window. On the opposite side the chambercarries a nozzle. Liquid provided to the coupling unit flows betweenwindow and nozzle and leaves the nozzle in form of a liquid-jet. Theenergy of the laser spot in the focal plane is captured inside theliquid-jet and guided to the work piece through internal reflection.This method eliminates the necessity to control the distance of the workpiece precisely because the required energy to perform the processing isavailable throughout the laminar length of the liquid-jet. Any liquidthat provides suitable light guide capabilities can be used to form theliquid-jet.

There is a need for improving the liquid-jet laser technology, forexample, to allow ease of servicing the laser protection window and thenozzle.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In some embodiments, the present invention discloses methods and systemsto improve the services and operation of a liquid jet guided lasersystem. The components of the liquid jet guided laser system, such asthe laser protection window and the nozzle, can be independently andseparately removed, serviced and re-installed, without affecting theoperation of the other components. For example, the independentservicing of the window without disturbing the nozzle can greatlysimplify the operation and maintenance of the liquid jet guided lasersystem.

In some embodiments, the present invention discloses assembling thewindow and the nozzle in opposite external surfaces of a couplingassembly. Since the window and the nozzle are assembled to externalsurfaces of the coupling assembly, either one of the window and thenozzle can be removed and re-assembled without disturbing the other. Thecoupling assembly can be removably attached to a laser focus opticassembly of the liquid jet guided laser system, e.g., the couplingassembly can be removed and re-attached to the laser focus opticassembly without losing position precision and accuracy of thecomponents such as the window and the nozzle.

Thus the coupling assembly can allow the independent and separateservicing of the window and the nozzle. For example, to service thewindow, the coupling assembly can be first de-coupled from the laserfocus optic assembly, exposing the top portion of the coupling assembly.The window can be removed from the coupling assembly for servicing, suchas being repaired or replaced. After completing servicing, the windowcan be re-assembled to the coupling assembly, and the coupling assemblycan be re-coupled to the laser focus optic assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of a liquid jet guided laser systemaccording to some embodiments.

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate a prior art liquid jet guided laser systemaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a coupling assembly in a liquid guided laser systemaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart for forming a liquid jet guided lasersystem according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates components of a coupling assembly according to someembodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart for servicing a liquid jet guided lasersystem according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate a servicing operation of a window according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart for servicing a window in a liquid jetguided laser system according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate a nozzle exchange operation according to someembodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart for servicing a nozzle in a liquid jetguided laser system according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate a servicing operation of a nozzle according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates a flow chart for servicing a nozzle in a liquid jetguided laser system according to some embodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates a coupling assembly having an air jet nozzleaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 14 illustrates a liquid jet guided laser system according to someembodiments.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flow chart for operating a liquid jet guided lasersystem according to some embodiments.

FIG. 16A-16C illustrates a liquid jet guided laser system according tosome embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In some embodiments, the present invention discloses methods and systemsfor ease of servicing a liquid jet guided laser system. The laserprotection window and the nozzle can be independently and separatelyremoved, serviced and re-installed. Since the window and the nozzle havedifferent life time, servicing schedule, and damage tolerance, theindependent servicing of the window and the nozzle, e.g., either thewindow and the nozzle can be serviced without disturbing the other, cangreatly simply the operation and maintenance of the liquid jet guidedlaser system.

In some embodiments, the present invention discloses a coupling assemblythat is configured to be coupled to a laser focus optic assembly of aliquid jet guided laser system. The laser focus optic assembly canprovide a focused laser beam, and can include a laser generator and anoptical element, such as a lens, for focusing the laser beam. The laserfocus optic assembly can be provided in a system housing. The couplingassembly can be removably coupled to the laser focus optic assembly, forexample, attaching to the system housing by a securing mechanism.

The coupling assembly can include a coupling body, a window assemblyincluding a window coupled to a top portion of the coupling body, and anozzle assembly including a nozzle coupled to a bottom portion of thecoupling body, which is opposite to the top portion. Thus when thecoupling assembly is assembled to the laser focus optic assembly, thewindow assembly is configured to face the laser focus optic assembly,and the nozzle assembly is configured to be spaced from the laser focusoptic assembly by the window assembly.

The coupling assembly thus can allow the independent and separateservicing of the window and the nozzle. For example, to service thewindow, the coupling assembly can be first de-coupled from the laserfocus optic assembly, exposing the top portion of the coupling assembly.The window assembly then can be de-coupled from the coupling assembly.The window can be removed from the window assembly for servicing, suchas being repaired or replaced. After completing servicing, the windowassembly can be re-coupled to the coupling assembly, and the couplingassembly can be re-coupled to the laser focus optic assembly.

In some embodiments, the coupling assembly can be coupled to the laserfocus optic assembly through a motion mechanism. Thus the couplingassembly can be moved relative to the laser focus optic assembly. Themotion mechanism can be configured so that the coupling assembly can bemoved in a plane perpendicular to the laser beam, or parallel to thefocus lens of the laser focus optic assembly. Thus the laser can befocused onto the liquid jet, e.g., the nozzle can be adjusted so thatthe laser beam can pass through the opening in the nozzle.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of a liquid jet guided laser systemaccording to some embodiments. A liquid jet guided laser beam system 100can include a coupling assembly 130 coupled to a laser focus opticassembly 110. The laser focus optic assembly 110 can include a laserbeam 112 and an optical element such as a focus lens 115. The couplingassembly 130 can include a window 120 and a nozzle 150. The nozzle 150can be coupled to the window 120, leaving a small gap for accepting aliquid, such as water, from a liquid source. The nozzle has a opening inthe middle for the liquid to exit as a liquid jet. The nozzle is open atan opposite end. An end portion 170 can be coupled to the nozzle 150,which can be configured to form a cavity 152, which is coupled with theopen end of the nozzle 150, and which can improve the laminar flow ofthe liquid jet, for example, such stability can be achieved with avacuum compensation feature, e.g., in an air-jet nozzle, as disclosedbelow. The window 120 can be used to separate the dry portion of a laserfocus optic assembly 110 and the liquid portion of a liquid jet 140.

In operation, a liquid, such as water 145, can be provided to the nozzle150, and travel through the opening of the nozzle to form a liquid jet140. The laser beam 112 can be focused, for example, by the lens 115, tothe liquid jet 140. Internal reflection can confined the laser beam tobe within the liquid jet, e.g., the laser beam is guided by the liquidjet 140. For example, the internal reflection of the laser can startbelow the nozzle. The liquid jet guided laser beam can flow toward anobject surface 190, where the laser can cut through the object by meansof material ablation in a single or multiple passes.

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate a prior art liquid jet guided laser systemaccording to some embodiments. In FIG. 2A, a system body 210 isconfigured to house the laser focus optic assembly, including a lens215. For example, the lens can be mounted in the laser focus opticassembly. A window 220 and a nozzle 250, as part of a coupling unit, canalso be mounted to the laser focus optic assembly. The window 220 andthe nozzle 250 can be placed inside a holder (not shown). The couplingunit can include other components, such as an end portion 270. A liquidinlet 245 can be provided in the system body, for providing a liquidflow to form a liquid jet 240.

For servicing, the end portion 270 can be first removed from the systembody (FIG. 2B). Different methods can be used to remove the window andthe nozzle, depending on the window and nozzle configurations. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 2C (and exemplified in the patentEP1833636B1), the window 220 and the nozzle 250 can be removed together,for example, by applying a force to the window from the laser portion,to push out the window and the nozzle. Afterward, the window 220 can beseparated from the nozzle 250. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2D, thenozzle 250 can be removed by applying a pressure 280, e.g., liquid orgas, to the liquid jet inlet 245. The high pressure can push out thenozzle 250. The window 220 can be removed by applying a force from thelaser portion.

During assembling, the window can be first inserted through an openingin the bottom of the system assembly. The window can be optionally gluedto the unit body for sealing it. The glue can require multiple hours tocure into a water-tight seal. The nozzle can be inserted through thesame opening. This assembling process can result in maintenance time ofhours (instead of minutes). The gluing process can also require tophysically break the window for its removal, or for the removal of thenozzle by pressing it out by applying pressure from the window side.

Since the components, e.g., the window and the nozzle, can be fragile,after removal, the components can be damaged and might have to bereplaced. For example, to replace the window, the nozzle will need to beremoved first. After the new window is placed back to the system body, anew nozzle might be needed, since the old nozzle can be damaged in theremoval process. The window can also be damaged when it is pushed out toremove the nozzle.

The potential damage can be detrimental especially during a nozzleexchange process. Due to cutting requirements, different nozzles can beused, which requires changing a good nozzle by another good nozzle. Forexample, changing a 80 micron nozzle to a 50 micron nozzle. The nozzleexchange process can damage the window if the window/nozzle assembly ispushed out by applying pressure above the window.

In some embodiments, the present invention discloses a coupling assemblythat can be removably coupled to a laser focus optic assembly of aliquid jet guided laser system. The coupling assembly can be coupled tothe laser focus optic assembly for operating the liquid jet guided lasersystem. The coupling assembly can be removed from the laser focus opticassembly for servicing the components of the coupling assembly, such asa window or a nozzle.

In some embodiments, the present invention discloses systems and methodsfor improved servicing a liquid jet guided laser system, includingindependently and separately servicing the window and the nozzle of theliquid jet guided laser system. For example, the nozzle can be accessedfrom a bottom portion, without disturbing the window in a top portion.Similarly, the window can be accessed from a top portion, withoutdisturbing the nozzle in a bottom portion. Since the window is placedbetween the laser focus optic assembly and the nozzle, a couplingassembly can be introduced, which can allow the separation of the windowfrom the laser focus optic assembly.

In some embodiments, the coupling assembly can include a coupling body,which can be coupled to the laser focus optic assembly, for example,through an attaching mechanism such as a bolting mechanism. A windowassembly, which includes a window, can be coupled to the coupling body.A nozzle assembly, which includes a nozzle, can also be coupled to thecoupling body. The window assembly is configured to be placed betweenthe laser focus optic assembly and the nozzle assembly, thus the windowassembly and the nozzle assembly can be coupled to the coupling assemblyat opposite ends, and the window assembly can be facing the laser focusoptic assembly when the coupling assembly is coupled to the laser focusoptic assembly.

The coupling assembly can allow the exposure of the window, so that thewindow can be serviced without disturbing the nozzle. For example, thecoupling assembly can be removed from the laser focus optic assembly,exposing the top portion, e.g., the portion that is attached to thelaser focus optic assembly. Since the window is disposed in a windowassembly that is attached from the top portion, the window assembly canbe removed from the coupling assembly, after the coupling assembly isremoved from the laser focus optic assembly. During all of theseactions, the nozzle is still disposed in a nozzle assembly that isattached to the bottom portion of the coupling assembly. Thus the nozzleis not affected, e.g., the nozzle position is not disturbed and canstill be used in the laser system. For example, after the couplingassembly is re-coupled to the laser focus optic assembly (after thewindow is serviced), the nozzle is returned to the previous operatingposition, e.g., the operating position before the window is removed.

FIG. 3 illustrates a coupling assembly in a liquid guided laser systemaccording to some embodiments. A liquid jet guided laser system caninclude a laser focus optic assembly 310, which can be configured tohouse a laser and an optical element 315 for transmitting and focusingthe laser beam. A coupling assembly 330 can be coupled to the laserfocus optic assembly 310, for example, by an attaching mechanism such asa bolting mechanism 380. The attaching mechanism 380 can allow couplingand de-coupling of the coupling assembly 330 with the laser focus opticassembly 310. The coupling assembly is shown as being coupled directlyto the laser focus optic assembly, but other configurations can also beused. For example, the coupling assembly 330 can be coupled to aninterface 311 to the laser focus optic assembly, 310 e.g., the couplingassembly 330 can be coupled to the laser focus optic assembly 310through the interface 311, such as an adapter or a lateral movementassembly.

The coupling assembly 330 can include a window assembly 325, which canhouse a window 320, e.g., an optical element for isolating a liquidenvironment of the nozzle assembly 355 with a dry environment of thelaser focus optic assembly 310. The window assembly 325 can be removableattached to the coupling assembly 330, for example, by screwing thewindow assembly 325 to a coupling body 365 of the coupling assembly 330.

The coupling assembly 330 can include a nozzle assembly 355, which canhouse a nozzle 350, e.g., an element having an opening for generating aliquid jet 340 from a liquid source 345. The nozzle assembly 355 can beremovable attached to the coupling assembly 330, for example, byscrewing the nozzle assembly 355 to the coupling body 365 of thecoupling assembly 330.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart for forming a liquid jet guided lasersystem according to some embodiments. Operation 400 forms a windowassembly having a window for a liquid jet guided laser system. Thewindow can be attached to the window assembly by an o-ring, for example,so that the window can function to isolate top and bottom environments,e.g., isolating the top environment of the laser focus optic assembly,and the bottom environment of the liquid jet. The window assembly caninclude an attaching mechanism, such as teeth to screw on a couplingbody.

Operation 410 forms a nozzle assembly having a nozzle for the liquid jetguided laser system. The nozzle can have an opening, for example, at amiddle portion, so that when a liquid enter the nozzle, the liquid canform a liquid jet exiting the opening. The opening can be enlarged to acone shape, for example, to improve a stabilization of the liquid jet.The nozzle can be attached to the nozzle assembly by an o-ring, forexample, to confine the liquid inlet. The nozzle assembly can include anattaching mechanism, such as teeth to screw on a coupling body.

Operation 420 forms a coupling body. The coupling body can be configuredto accept the window assembly at a top end of the coupling body. Thecoupling body can also be configured to accept the nozzle assembly at abottom end opposite the top end. The coupling assembly can also beconfigured to be coupled to a laser focus optic assembly of the liquidjet guided laser system.

Operation 430 forms a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly caninclude the coupling body, the window assembly coupled to the couplingbody, and the nozzle assembly coupled to the coupling body. Operation440 couples the coupling assembly to the focus optic assembly of theliquid jet guided laser system.

In some embodiments, the coupling assembly can provide ease of servicingthe window and the nozzle, for example, allowing servicing each of thesetwo components separately without affecting the operation of the other.For example, the coupling assembly can allow access to the windowwithout removing the nozzle from its operating position, e.g., from itsnozzle assembly in the coupling assembly. The coupling assembly can alsobe mounted to a movement assembly to accurately adjust the laser focusposition to the center of the nozzle hole. The movement assembly can bethe mechanical link between the coupling assembly and the laser focusoptic assembly.

FIG. 5 illustrates components of a coupling assembly according to someembodiments. The coupling assembly 530 can include a coupling body 565,a window assembly 525, and a nozzle assembly 555. The window assembly525 can have an opening to press fit a window 520, for example, with ano-ring seal. The window 520 can be removed by pressing from the topopening of the window assembly, or by gripping the top portion of thewindow. Thus by removing the window assembly, the window can be easilyremoved and re-assembled. The window assembly can include an attachingmechanism 527 (e.g., treaded or bolted), for example, to couple andde-couple from the coupling body 565.

The nozzle assembly 555 can have an opening to press fit a nozzle 550,for example, with an o-ring seal. The nozzle 550 can be removed bypressing from the bottom opening of the nozzle assembly, or by grippingthe top portion of the nozzle. Thus by removing the nozzle assembly, thenozzle can be easily removed and re-assembled. The nozzle assembly caninclude an attaching mechanism 557, for example, to couple and de-couplefrom the coupling body 565.

The coupling body 565 can have a corresponded attaching mechanism, e.g.,attaching mechanism 527, to assemble the window assembly, for example,at a top portion of the coupling body. The coupling body 565 can have acorresponded attaching mechanism, e.g., attaching mechanism 557 (e.g.,treaded or bolted), to assemble the nozzle assembly, for example, at atop portion of the coupling body. The coupling body 565 can have anattaching mechanism 537 for coupling with a laser focus optic assembly510.

Other components can be included, for example, an air jet assembly andan air jet nozzle. Further, the coupling assembly is schematicallyillustrated, and there can be variations from the illustration.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart for servicing a liquid jet guided lasersystem according to some embodiments. Operation 600 removes a couplingassembly from a liquid jet guided laser system, wherein the couplingassembly comprises a coupling body, a window assembly coupled to a topend of the coupling body, and a nozzle assembly coupled to a bottom endof the coupling body, wherein the bottom end is opposite to the top end.After the coupling assembly is removed from the liquid jet guided lasersystem, the window assembly is exposed, and can be removed. Operation610 then removes the window assembly from the coupling assembly.Operation 620 services the window assembly, for example, replacing thewindow. Optionally, operation 630 removes the nozzle assembly from thecoupling assembly. Operation 640 services the nozzle assembly, forexample, replacing the nozzle. Operation 650 assembles the windowassembly and optionally the nozzle assembly to the coupling assembly.Operation 660 couples the coupling assembly to the focus optic assemblyof the liquid jet guided laser system.

In some embodiments, the coupling assembly can allow servicing thewindow without disturbing the nozzle. The window is disposed between thelaser and the nozzle, and thus, in prior art system, to access thewindow, the nozzle will need to be removed. The removal of the nozzlecan disturb its operation, such as damaging the nozzle, thus areplacement of the window can necessitate the replacement of the nozzle.

In some embodiments, the coupling assembly can provide the exposure ofthe window, for example, for servicing, without disturbing the nozzlefrom its operation. Since the coupling assembly can be coupled to thelaser focus optic assembly repeatably without losing position precision,the removal of the coupling assembly does not affect the positionprecision of the nozzle. Thus the window can be serviced withoutdisturbing the nozzle operation.

FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate a servicing operation of a window according tosome embodiments. In FIG. 7A, a coupling assembly 730, after beingremoved from a laser focus optic assembly, can have the window assembly725 exposed and thus the window assembly 725 can be removed from thecoupling assembly 730. For example, the window assembly 725 can bedetached from the coupling body 765. The removal of the window assembly725 can be performed so that the nozzle assembly 755 is not disturbed,and thus the nozzle 750 can be returned to the original position in thelaser system when the coupling assembly 730 is reassembled to the lasersystem.

In FIG. 7B, the window 720 can be removed from the window assembly 725,for example, by pushing from one side of the window assembly. After thewindow is serviced, e.g., repaired or replaced, the window can be pushedback to the window assembly, using an o-ring for sealing the windowagainst the sidewall of the window assembly. The window assembly thencan be re-attached to the coupling assembly. The coupling assembly canbe re-attached to the laser system.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart for servicing a window in a liquid jetguided laser system according to some embodiments. Operation 800 removesa coupling assembly from a liquid jet guided laser system, wherein thecoupling assembly comprises a coupling body, a window assembly coupledto a top end of the coupling body, and a nozzle assembly coupled to abottom end of the coupling body, wherein the bottom end is opposite tothe top end. Operation 810 removes the window assembly from the couplingassembly. Operation 820 removes a window from the removed the windowassembly. Operation 830 installs a new window to the window assembly.Operation 840 assembles the window assembly to the coupling assembly.Operation 850 couples the coupling assembly to the focus optic assemblyof the liquid jet guided laser system.

FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate a nozzle exchange operation according to someembodiments. Nozzles having certain sizes can be installed to the lasersystem based on the cutting requirements. For example, the nozzle can bechanged from a 80 micron nozzle to a 50 micron nozzle. In FIG. 9A, acoupling assembly 930 can have the nozzle assembly 955 exposed (evenwhen the coupling assembly is still attached to the laser focus opticassembly 910) and thus the nozzle assembly 955 can be removed from thecoupling assembly 930. For example, the nozzle assembly 955 can bedetached from the coupling body 965. The removal of the nozzle assembly955 can be performed so that the window assembly 925 is not disturbed.

In FIG. 9B, the nozzle 950 can be removed from the nozzle assembly 955,for example, by pushing from one side of the nozzle assembly. After thenozzle is serviced, e.g., repaired or replaced, or exchanged to meet ajob requirement the nozzle can be pushed back to the nozzle assembly,using an o-ring for sealing the nozzle against the sidewall of thenozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly then can be re-attached to thecoupling assembly. The coupling assembly can be re-attached to the lasersystem.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart for servicing a nozzle in a liquid jetguided laser system according to some embodiments. Operation 1000provides a liquid jet guided layer system having a coupling assembly,wherein the coupling assembly is coupled to the liquid jet guided lasersystem, wherein the coupling assembly comprises a coupling body, awindow assembly coupled to a top end of the coupling body, and a nozzleassembly coupled to a bottom end of the coupling body, wherein thebottom end is opposite to the top end. Operation 1010 removes the nozzleassembly from the coupling assembly. Operation 1020 removes a nozzlefrom the removed the nozzle assembly. Operation 1030 installs a newnozzle to the nozzle assembly. Operation 1040 assembles the nozzleassembly to the coupling assembly.

FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate a servicing operation of a nozzle according tosome embodiments. In FIG. 11A, a coupling assembly 1130, after beingremoved from a laser focus optic assembly, can have the nozzle assembly1155 exposed (even when the coupling assembly is still attached to thelaser focus optic assembly 1110) and thus the nozzle assembly 1155 canbe removed from the coupling assembly 1130. For example, the nozzleassembly 1155 can be detached from the coupling body 1165. The removalof the nozzle assembly 1155 can be performed so that the window assembly1125 is not disturbed, when the coupling assembly 1130 is reassembled tothe laser system.

In FIG. 11B, the nozzle 1150 can be removed from the nozzle assembly1155, for example, by pushing from one side of the nozzle assembly.After the nozzle is serviced, e.g., repaired or replaced, or exchangedto meet a job requirement the nozzle can be pushed back to the nozzleassembly, using an o-ring for sealing the nozzle against the sidewall ofthe nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly then can be re-attached to thecoupling assembly. The coupling assembly can be re-attached to the lasersystem.

FIG. 12 illustrates a flow chart for servicing a nozzle in a liquid jetguided laser system according to some embodiments. Operation 1200removes a coupling assembly from a liquid jet guided laser system,wherein the coupling assembly comprises a coupling body, a windowassembly coupled to a top end of the coupling body, and a nozzleassembly coupled to a bottom end of the coupling body, wherein thebottom end is opposite to the top end. Operation 1210 removes the nozzleassembly from the coupling assembly. Operation 1220 removes a nozzlefrom the removed the nozzle assembly. Operation 1230 installs a newnozzle to the nozzle assembly. Operation 1240 assembles the nozzleassembly to the coupling assembly. Operation 1250 couples the couplingassembly to the focus optic assembly of the liquid jet guided lasersystem.

In some embodiments, the coupling assembly in the liquid guided laserjet can include an air jet nozzle. The air jet nozzle can be coupled tothe nozzle assembly. Enclosed is a brief description of the air jetnozzle in the coupling assembly. Further details can be found inco-pending patent application Ser. No. 14/535,341 of the same inventors,hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

An air jet nozzle can be configured to provide a surrounding air jetwith respect to the liquid jet. The surrounding air jet can clear anyaccumulated liquid on a workpiece surface to prevent degradation of thelaser process, for example, due to the accumulated liquid interferingwith the internal reflection of the laser beam. The air jet nozzle canform a partition between the air jet and the liquid jet, e.g., theliquid jet and the air jet exit the coupling unit at two separate nozzleopenings. The air jet nozzle can provide a separation, which can allowfor the independent control of the air jet, e.g., controlling thepressure and flow rate to achieve an optimum surface clearing processwhile not interfering with the liquid jet operation.

An air jet nozzle can be coupled to the nozzle, for example, closing thecavity of the nozzle and guiding the liquid jet to the exit. The air jetnozzle can surround the liquid jet, and form an air jet in a paralleldirection with the liquid jet.

FIG. 13 illustrates a coupling assembly having an air jet nozzleaccording to some embodiments. A liquid jet guided laser system caninclude a laser focus optic assembly 1310, and a coupling assembly 1330for coupling the laser beam in the laser system with a liquid jet 1340.The coupling assembly 1330 can be removably coupled to the laser focusoptic assembly 1310, e.g., the coupling assembly can be secured to thelaser focus optic assembly 1310 by an attachment mechanism, such as abolt mechanism. The attachment mechanism can be configured to providerepeatable assembling and de-assembling without loss of positionaccuracy and precision. Thus the components of the coupling assembly,e.g., the window 1320 and the nozzle 1350, can be removed andre-assembled to the laser focus optic assembly (when still coupled tothe coupling assembly) without affecting the operation of thesecomponents.

The coupling assembly 1330 can include a window assembly 1325, which caninclude an optical element, such as a window 1320, to isolate the liquid1340 from the laser focus optic assembly 1310. The laser system 1310 caninclude a laser beam, which can be focused to the liquid, such as to theliquid portion or the liquid jet portion, to form internal reflection inthe liquid jet.

The coupling assembly 1330 can include a nozzle assembly 1355, which caninclude a nozzle 1350. The nozzle 1350 can be disposed in parallel tothe window 1320, so that a liquid 1345 can enter the gap between thenozzle and the window, and then exit the opening of the nozzle to form aliquid jet 1340.

In some embodiments, the nozzle can have a cavity at the outlet of thenozzle, to optimize the liquid jet, such as to stabilize the liquid jet.The cavity can have a low pressure, e.g., lower than an outside ambientpressure. The low pressure, e.g., vacuum condition, can generateturbulence in the liquid jet formation. A gas can be delivered, activelyfrom a gas source, or passively in a form of conduits from a higherpressure environment, to the cavity of the nozzle to compensate for thevacuum pressure. The gas can be provided from a separate gas source1348, or from the air jet through slots 1349 in the air jet nozzle. Forexample, a hole in the air jet nozzle can reduce the vacuum level, e.g.,increasing the pressure, in the cavity of the nozzle area. The air jetcan be generated from a gas supply line, 1347 which can include acompressed gas with a pressure less than 10 bar, or a compressed gaswith a maximum pressure of 10 bar. The pressure of the gas supply linecan be configured to be independently adjustable with respect to theliquid jet.

An air jet nozzle assembly can be coupled to the nozzle assembly. Theair jet nozzle assembly can include an air jet nozzle 1370 and an airjet nozzle support 1375, which can be coupled to the nozzle assembly1355. The air jet nozzle 1370 can include an inner conduit for theliquid jet to pass through. The air jet nozzle can be configured tophysically separate the liquid jet 1340 from an air jet 1342, such asshielding the liquid jet from external influence, such as shielding theliquid jet from the air jet. The air jet nozzle can have a hollowcylinder shape, with the hollow portion larger than a diameter of theliquid jet for passing the liquid jet. The hollow cylinder can have atop larger opening for coupling with a cavity in the nozzle module. Thehollow cylinder can have a straight conduit portion to guide the liquidjet for forming a laminar flow.

Different air jet nozzles can be used. An air jet nozzle can have avertical outer surface, e.g., a surface parallel with the vertical flowof the liquid jet, to form an air jet running substantially parallelwith the liquid jet. An air jet nozzle can have an outward verticalouter surface, e.g., a surface making a diverged angle with the verticalflow of the liquid jet, to form an air jet diverged from the liquid jetwhen hitting the object surface. An air jet nozzle can have an inwardvertical outer surface, e.g., a surface making a converged angle withthe vertical flow of the liquid jet, to form an air jet converged withthe liquid jet in the direction of the object surface.

In some embodiments, the air jet can form an angle with the liquid jet,for example, to optimize the operation of the liquid jet guided laseroperation. In general, an air jet can be provided so that the air jetimpacts the surface of the workpiece at a location at or near thelocation that the liquid jet impacts the surface. Due to the potentialinterference between the air jet and the liquid jet outside of theliquid and gas sources, the air jet can be diverged from the liquid jet.

For example, for a workpiece that can be placed near, e.g., a smalldistance (about less than 2 cm, less than 1 cm, or less than 0.5 cm) tothe liquid jet guided laser system, the air jet can be directed towardthe liquid jet, such as between 0 and −20 degrees, or between 0 and −10degrees. The angle between the air jet and the liquid jet can be definedas a negative angle if the air jet is directed toward the liquid jetfrom the direction from the laser system to the workpiece. The smalldistance can be used if the workpiece is concave down or flat, allowingthe laser system to travel across the workpiece without interference. Inaddition, the air jet can have low pressure and low flow due to thesmall distance. For example, operating conditions (such as pressure andflow) of a gas source can be regulated to generate an air jet having lowpressure and low flow.

For a workpiece that can be placed a little farther, e.g., a mediumdistance (about less than 6 cm, less than 2 cm, or less than 1 cm) tothe liquid jet guided laser system, the air jet can be directedsubstantially parallel to the liquid jet, such as deviating less than 1or 2 degrees from the parallel direction. The medium distance can beused if the workpiece is flat, allowing the laser system to travelacross the workpiece without interference. In addition, the air jet canhave medium pressure and medium flow due to the medium distance. Forexample, operating conditions (such as pressure and flow) of a gassource can be regulated to generate an air jet having medium pressure(such as less than 6 bar or less than 2 bar pressure) and medium flow(such as less than 6 or less than 2 standard liters per minute).

For a workpiece that can be placed far, e.g., a large distance (aboutgreater than 1 cm, greater than 6 cm, or greater than 10 cm) to theliquid jet guided laser system, the air jet can be directed away fromthe liquid jet, such as between 0 and 45 degrees, or between 0 and 30degrees. The angle between the air jet and the liquid jet can be definedas a positive angle if the air jet is directed away from the liquid jetfrom the direction from the laser system to the workpiece. The largedistance can be used if the workpiece has irregular surface topology,such as a cavity that recesses under a top surface of the workpiece. Forlarge distances, the air jet pressure of flow might need to beincreased, for example, to travel the large distances and to clearliquid from a cavity. For example, operating conditions (such aspressure and flow) of a gas source can be regulated to generate an airjet having high pressure (such as less than 10 bar or less than 6 barpressure) and high flow (such as less than 10 or less than 6 standardliters per minute). The high pressure and flow can potential interferewith the liquid jet, for example, by shortening the laminar length ofthe liquid jet, if running parallel or toward the liquid jet.

In some embodiments, the present invention discloses methods to replacethe air jet nozzle depending on the operating conditions, such as thetopology of the workpiece. An air jet nozzle that can provide asubstantially parallel air jet flow with the liquid jet can be used forworkpieces with shallow topology, e.g., workpieces with no deepcavities. In addition, low to medium air jet pressure and flow can beused.

An air jet nozzle that can provide a diverged air jet flow with theliquid jet can be used for workpieces with deep topology. In addition,high air jet pressure and flow can be used.

In some embodiments, the present invention discloses methods and systemsfor adjusting a focus of the laser beam in a liquid jet guided lasersystem. The laser beam and the nozzle can be assembled so that the laserbeam can be focused to the liquid jet. A lateral motion mechanism can becoupled between the laser focus optic assembly and the couplingassembly, thus allowing the coupling assembly to move in a lateralplane, which is perpendicular to the direction of the laser beam. Themovement of the coupling assembly can place the nozzle opening directlyon the path of the laser beam.

FIG. 14 illustrates a liquid jet guided laser system according to someembodiments. A laser focus optic assembly 1410 can be coupled to acoupling assembly 1430 through a lateral movement mechanism 1490. Thelateral movement mechanism 1490 can be configured to move the couplingassembly 1430 (relative to the laser focus optic assembly 1410) in alateral plane perpendicular to the laser beam direction 1412. By movingthe coupling assembly, the opening of the nozzle can be put preciselyunder the focus spot of the laser beam, allowing the laser beam to forminternal reflection in the liquid jet and to avoid partly impact oflaser energy to the nozzle cavity. The lateral movement of the couplingassembly can provide a laser beam running parallel with the liquid jet1440.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flow chart for operating a liquid jet guided lasersystem according to some embodiments. Operation 1500 couples a couplingassembly to the focus optic assembly of a liquid jet guided lasersystem. The motion controller is configured to move the couplingassembly relative to the laser system in a lateral plane perpendicularto the laser beam direction. Operation 1510 moves the coupling assemblyrelative to the liquid jet guided laser system through the motioncontroller, for example, moving the nozzle hole relative to the laserfocus spot.

FIG. 16A-16C illustrates a liquid jet guided laser system according tosome embodiments. FIG. 16A illustrates an assembly 1601 a which teachesto an ability for the air jets 1611 a to be parallel with the liquid jet1611 b. FIG. 16B illustrates an assembly 1601 b which teaches to anability for the air jets 1611 a to be at a positive angle with theliquid jet 1611 b. FIG. 16C illustrates an assembly 1601 a which teachesto an ability for the air jets 1611 a to be a negative with the liquidjet 1611 b.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for using a liquid jet guided lasersystem comprising: providing a coupling module for the system, whereinthe coupling comprises: a body, a window assembly and a nozzle assembly;inserting the coupling module from the liquid jet guided laser system,wherein: the coupling module is removably attached to a laser focusoptic module of the laser system; inserting a window holder assemblyfrom the coupling module: wherein the window holder assembly isconfigured to be removably attached to the coupling module at a surfacefacing the laser focus optic module with the window assembly facing thelaser focus optic module; inserting a window from the window holderassembly; inserting a nozzle assembly from the body: wherein the nozzleassembly is removably attached to the body at a second surface oppositethe first surface.
 2. A method as in claim 1, further comprising:wherein the coupling module is configured to allow independent removalof a window in the window assembly and a nozzle in the nozzle assembly;wherein the nozzle assembly comprises an air jet nozzle assembly forforming an air jet surrounding a liquid jet generated by the nozzle;wherein the air jet nozzle assembly forms a partition between the airjet and the liquid jet; wherein the air jet and the liquid jet exit thecoupling assembly at two separate openings; wherein the air jet andliquid jet do not merge until after contact with the workpiece.
 3. Amethod as in claim 1, further comprising: wherein the coupling module ismounted to a laser focus optic module of the liquid jet guided lasersystem.
 4. A method as in claim 1, further comprising: wherein thecoupling module is mounted to the laser module through a lateralmovement assembly; wherein the lateral movement assembly allowsadjusting positions of the coupling module in a plane perpendicular to alaser beam of the liquid jet guided laser system.
 5. A method as inclaim 1, wherein for servicing the liquid jet guided laser system, themethod further comprises: removing a coupling module from the liquid jetguided laser system; removing a window holder assembly from the couplingmodule: wherein the window holder assembly is configured to be removablyattached to the coupling module at a surface facing the laser focusoptic module; removing a window from the window holder assembly.
 6. Amethod as in claim 5, further comprising: reinserting a coupling modulefrom the liquid jet guided laser system; reinserting a window holderassembly from the coupling module: wherein the window holder assembly isconfigured to be removably attached to the coupling module at a surfacefacing the laser focus optic module; reinserting a window from thewindow holder assembly.
 7. A method as in claim 6, further comprisingwherein the removing and reinserting the coupling according to a jobrequirement.
 8. A method as in claim 1, wherein for servicing the liquidjet guided laser system, the method further comprises: removing a nozzleholder assembly from the coupling module: wherein the nozzle holderassembly is configured to be removably attached to the coupling moduleat a second surface opposite to the surface facing the laser module;removing a nozzle from the nozzle holder assembly.
 9. A method as inclaim 8, further comprising: reinserting a nozzle holder assembly fromthe coupling module: wherein the nozzle holder assembly is configured tobe removably attached to the coupling module at a second surfaceopposite to the surface facing the laser module; reinserting a nozzlefrom the nozzle holder assembly.
 10. A method as in claim 9, furthercomprising: wherein the removing and reinserting the nozzle from thenozzle holder assembly according to a job requirement.
 11. A method asin claim 1 further comprising: wherein the coupling assembly movesindependently relative to the liquid jet guided laser system.
 12. Amethod as in claim 11, further comprising: wherein the movement movesthe nozzle and a nozzle hole relative to a laser focus spot.
 13. Aliquid jet guided laser system comprising a lateral movement assembly,wherein the lateral movement assembly is configured to be attached to alaser focus optic module of the liquid jet guided laser system; acoupling module removably attached to the lateral movement assembly,wherein the lateral movement assembly allows adjusting positions of thecoupling module in a plane perpendicular to a laser beam of the liquidjet guided laser system, wherein the coupling module comprises a body, awindow holder assembly and a nozzle holder assembly, wherein the windowholder assembly is removably attached to the body at a first surface,wherein the coupling module is removably attached to the laser modulewith the window assembly facing the laser module, wherein the nozzleholder assembly is removably attached to the body at a second surfaceopposite the first surface, wherein the coupling module is configured toallow independent removal of a window in the window holder assembly anda nozzle in the nozzle holder assembly.
 14. A system as in claim 13,further comprising: wherein the nozzle holder assembly comprises an airjet nozzle assembly for forming a gas flow surrounding an liquid jetgenerated by the nozzle.
 15. A system as in claim 14, furthercomprising: wherein the air jet nozzle assembly comprises an air jetnozzle, wherein the air jet nozzle comprises slots for vacuumcompensation.
 16. A system as in claim 13, further comprising: whereinthe coupling module comprises a first inlet for connecting with a liquidsupply line; wherein the liquid supply line is configured to be suppliedto the nozzle holder assembly for forming the liquid jet.
 17. A systemas in claim 16, further comprising: wherein the coupling modulecomprises a second inlet for connecting with a gas supply line; whereinthe gas supply line is configured to be supplied to the air jet nozzleassembly for forming the gas flow surrounding the liquid jet.
 18. Asystem as in claim 13, further comprising: wherein the coupling modulecomprises a third inlet for vacuum compensation.
 19. A system as inclaim 13, further comprising: wherein an o-ring seals the nozzle againstthe sidewall of the nozzle assembly.
 20. A system as in claim 13,further comprising: wherein the coupling module is configured to allowindependent removal of a window in the window assembly and a nozzle inthe nozzle assembly; wherein the nozzle assembly comprises an air jetnozzle assembly for forming an air jet surrounding a liquid jetgenerated by the nozzle; wherein the air jet nozzle assembly forms apartition between the air jet and the liquid jet; wherein the air jetand the liquid jet exit the coupling assembly at two separate openings;wherein the air jet and liquid jet do not merge until after contact withthe workpiece.